The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) has welcomed the government’s “promise of much-needed legislation” around artificial intelligence (AI), following the King’s speech yesterday (July 17, 2024). 

The speech outlined the government’s aim to “seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models”. 

ALCS c.e.o. Barbara Hayes said: “Many of our members are understandably concerned about the misuse of generative AI and what it means for their work and livelihoods. So, we are pleased to see the new government announce its intention to place requirements on those developing such models.”

But a bill that would regulate new generative AI technologies was missing from the announcement, which included 40 other bills. It was expected in yesterday’s speech, and it largely came as a surprise that it was not among the raft of bills set out by the new government.  

ALCS urged the government to work with creators and trade bodies in the interim, to ensure that these technologies are developed fairly.

“As we wait for further details as to what this will look like, we urge the government to ensure this legislation adheres to the principles we have laid out, which include authors’ rights to remuneration, transparency and control,” Hayes added.